Miata's Future

Mazda's original formula gets some new twists

This rendering reveals that Mazda will stay true to the Miata's brief but successful history. "You can expect a car that carries on our original formula of light weight and great handling," said Miata chief engineer Takao Kijima. "We'll pick up where the current car left off and take the new model to the next level." Another source close to Mazda claims the new car will grow slightly in size to allow for a roomier interior whose design will borrow heavily from the Ibuki show car seen at Tokyo in 2003.

This image, based on information out of Mazda's Hiroshima headquarters, shows that the new Miata is a combination of old and new traits. It sports enough flare to look new, but at the same time, there is enough of the past so that loyalists don't feel alienated.

Mazda plans to offer two engines for the U.S. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder similar to the one in the Mazda 3 will be the base engine, and a more powerful 2.3-liter will be optional. The rumored switch to rotary power seems to have been ditched in favor of piston power. Two new transmissions—a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic—will be available with both engines.

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